For three years, Gwen Luscombe experienced debilitating night sweats that occurred just before her monthly period. Initially attributing these symptoms to perimenopause, Luscombe's journey to understand her health took an unexpected turn when a routine medical inquiry uncovered a hidden cancer.

Luscombe, living on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, had built a career as a freelance food and travel writer. Apart from occasional skin checks, she had no significant health concerns. The persistent night sweats, which left her drenched and sometimes sleeping in a different room, were initially dismissed by her doctor and other health practitioners as a normal part of aging. Despite trying various remedies, including the contraceptive pill and consulting a naturopath, the symptoms persisted.

"I just kept thinking, 'This isn't right,'" Luscombe recalled. "I felt like there had to be an answer."

Following a discussion about perimenopause, Luscombe's general practitioner suggested a Mirena IUD to regulate her cycle. Before proceeding, however, the doctor asked if Luscombe had ever had a mammogram. This question, presented as a precautionary measure due to a type of breast cancer fueled by estrogen, prompted Luscombe to schedule the scan before the IUD insertion.

"She told me it was probably nothing and there was no rush, but because there's a type of breast cancer that's fed by oestrogen, she thought it would be worth having one before putting in the Mirena," Luscombe said. "She said it would also give us a baseline for future scans."

The mammogram revealed a small area of concern, which was further investigated with additional imaging and a biopsy. Despite repeated reassurances that the findings were likely benign, the biopsy ultimately confirmed the presence of a hormone receptor-positive tumor, about the size of a pencil eraser. Its deep location within the breast meant it could not be detected through physical examination.

Because the cancer was detected early, surgeons were able to remove the tumor and two lymph nodes in July 2024. The cancer had not spread, allowing Luscombe to avoid chemotherapy and a mastectomy. She subsequently underwent five weeks of radiation therapy. She is now taking tamoxifen, a hormone therapy medication, to help prevent the cancer's recurrence.

Luscombe credits her McGrath Breast Care Nurse with providing crucial support throughout her diagnosis and treatment. Reflecting on her experience, she emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention even in the absence of traditional warning signs like a lump or family history. The night sweats that had plagued her for years have since disappeared.

"I think women wait until they feel like they have a reason," Luscombe stated. "I didn't have a reason. I didn't have a lump. I didn't have a family history. If I'd waited until I did, I don't know where I'd be now."